Metal article



Dec. 10, 1935. L, M, SMQYER 2,024,072

METAL ARTICLE Filed June .26, 1935 web/Divided Malaria! 5 Coal/n5; Compaai/zbn Lloyd M Smoker Patented Dec. 10, 1935 2,024,072 I UNITED STATES PATENT 'OFIFlClE.

METAL ARTICLE Lloyd M. Smoyer, Allentown, Pa. Application June 26, 1933, Serial No. 677,738 3 Claims. (01. 4-237) This invention relates toa novelsurfaced metal metal toilet seat provided with the present inalrficleo l' u r y. the invention relates vention. to a metal article provided with a surface layer Figure 3 is a transverse section taken on the acting as a barrier to prevent the transfer of plane indicated by the line 3-3 onFigure 2. 5 heat to or from the metal article. Figure 4 is an edge elevation of the seat. 5

The use of metal in the fabrication of articles Like reference characters indicate like parts of furniture, bath room stools, toilet seats and throughout the several views. the like has heretofore been generally regarded The use of metal in the fabrication of articles as objectionable because of the readiness with with which any part of the person comes in direct which metal conducts or transfers heat. Invlew contact has generally heretofore been avoided of this characteristic of metal, when the latter because of the readiness that characterizes the is used for any purpose that will bring the metal flow of heat-from the body to the metal, resulting into contact with the body of the user, a sensain a chilly sensation when the metal is located in tion of chilliness is produced". and continues as ordinary room temperatures.

5 long as contact with the metal exists. This is By this invention, the metal may be provided due to the readiness with which the heat of with a covering, united to the metal so as to the body flows through the metal which is genform a unitary structure that serves to substanerally at room or lower temperatures or well betially completely insulate the metal from-the body low the normal body temperature. when the latter is in contact therewith, so as to 2 It has been found that all paints, varnishes, substantially completely prevent heat transfer enamels, and the like in common use'do not poshrough sai cov in sess the property when applied to metal of pre- The result just stated may be secured by coat I venting the substantially free flow of heat into ing the metal I!) with a layer of an initially liqthe metal. Accordingly, the use of metal for uid paint-like composition II. Said composition suchpurposes as the manufacture of bath stools, may take the form of enamel, lacquer, varnish, 25 toilet seats and the like has heretofore been rea liquid phenol condensation product, synthetic garded as impracticable in spite of the manifest resins or gums or the like. Liquid phenol conadvantages of metal over wood, in cost of prodensation product or enamel are preferred. Such duction, and in strength and durability. liquids do not in themselves prevent heat trans- 0 The primary purpose of the present invention fer to and from the metal. is to provide an improved metal article having The liquid compositions may be applied by a surface covering thatwill substantially prevent brush or spraying to the surface of the metal heat transfer to or from the metal of which the thatis to be covered. While the compositions are body is composed. wet, alayer l2 of finely divided or minute particles 5 Another object of the invention is to provide of amaterial having the characteristic of preventa novel article of manufacture in which a layer ing the flow of heat is applied by dusting, blowof minute particles of a material having a very in r otherwise substantially evenly Spreading low heat conductivity covers the metal surface the particles over the wet composition, the latter and in which t particles are secured t t serving to adhesively secure the particlesto the metal by a binder f initially liquid r that metal. In order to insure evenness of the layer, 40 hardens when excess particles may be removed by a light sand- Ill has been Still another obJect of the invention is to pro- 'pape1:1ng operatmn after the 'f i [m 5 t5 a permitted to dry and harden. It is desirable howvide proved tenet seat 0 true or metal ever to apply suflicient particles so as to provide a and havinga surface layer of very low thermal I complete layer or so that the coating H is comil' so that the Sensation of chmmess is pletely covered. If desired, the layers II and I2 ig ggggg gg sfiz Wm pp as may (be multiplied if a very thick covering is re- Fmt quire a description thereof proceeds with reference to Material suitable for the layer g hasbeen found the accllmpanying drawing in which: to be wood flour, very finely divided wool, cotton 50 Vill'lgsulre wlm is an enlarged fraimentzliyl gt-$1538 or flax fibre, finely divided particles of leather, ew o 8 w c may 6 p o a hard rubber in powdered form, and the chaff or coating that will prevent the transfer of heat dust of grains of various kinds. Wood flour is thereto or therefrom. a at present preferred. Figure 2 is a plan view of a preferred form of After the layer l2 has been applied as just de- 66 scribed, a second coating l3 of an initially liquid composition is applied to the layer l2 filling the interstices between the particles constituting said layer. Sufficient initially liquid composition is applied to provide a smooth finished surface preferably completely concealing the particles of 'layer l2. The coating I 3 is then permitted to dry and the metal is ready for use. Any of the compositions above specified for use in the coating ll may be used for coating l3,-the composition being selected in accordance with the desired characteristics in the completed product.

Metal having asurface or surfaces treated in the manner just described may be used for many purposes. In particular, the method provides a satisfactory way of utilizing metal in the construction of the seats of bath room stools, toilet seats and the like.

In the drawing, a novel toilet setis illustrated comprising a body It stamped or cast to the desired form. Preferably the body is formed to provide nicely rounded surfaces as illustrated and provided with an integral extension l5 having openings 1 6 extending transversely thereof for the reception of the hinge pins of posts secured to the bowl in known manner. The extension with the openings takes the place of separate hinge members now applied to wooden or composition seats heretofore proposed so that in constructing seats in the form described, the'hinge and seat is, in effect, one piece thus greatly reducing the cost of a seat ready for hinged connection to a bowl of a toilet. The seat is preferably constructed of aluminum because of the lightness, strength and relative cheapness thereof, though other metal may be used, if desired.

The upper surfaceof the seat is covered with a coating including minute particles offinely dividecl material of the character and in the man- .ner above described. The covering may extend only over the portions of the'surface that in the normal use thereof contact with unprotected parts of the body of persons using the same, or said covering may be applied over the entire top surface of the seat as may be desired. 5

A toilet seat made as just described may be produced at low cost, has a smooth finished. surface that will not crack or peel, presents a pleasing appearance, does not cause a feeling of chilliness when used, and is nevertheless of greatly improved strength and durability.

What is claimed and desired to be secured by United States Letters Patent is:-

1. A seat such as a toilet seat comprising a metal body having the surfaces thereof that are in- 15 tended to contact with the human body coated with a thin smooth hard finish coating consisting solely of a substance having the qualities of a metal finishing enamel and a complete layer of finely divided particles of a material having very low heat conductivity, said'particles being completely embedded in said substance.

2. A seat such as a toilet seat comprising a metal body having the surfaces thereof intended to contact with the human body coated with a t smooth hard finish coating consisting solely of a substance having the qualities of a metal finishing enamel, and a complete layer of finely divided particles of wood flour completely embedded in said substance.

3. A seat such as a toilet seat, comprising a metal body having the surfaces thereof that are intended to contact with the human body coated with a thin, smooth, hard-finish coating consisting solely of a coating of a synthetic resin and a 3- complete layer of finely divided particles of a material having very low heat conductivity, said particles being completely embedded in said coating.

M. smoma. 40 

